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DLP2010EVM-LC: How to mask the border of the projected image out?

user3708221
Prodigy 40 points

Part Number: DLP2010EVM-LC

Hello,

 we are evaluating the DLP 2010EVM-LC for an application which requires vertical stripe patterns to be projected. We have been testing the internal patterns and so far so good it works as expected.


 Now, we have a further requirement: We need to mask the border area of the projected pattern out, i.e. to hide it or to set those pixels to black, as illustrated in the following picture. The width of the border area to be masked out should be set dynamically.

 We wonder what is the best approach to realize this:

  • After reading the documentation carefully, we suppose that this requirement cannot be fulfilled by using the 'internal patterns'. Of course, we could mask the left and right borders out when projecting vertical stripes, but not the top and bottom borders. Or did we overlook something here?
  • We will consider using the 'splash patterns', and so far we are waiting for an update of the "DLP Pico Display and Light Control" software to do so. But we wonder if this approach is reasonable considering that we would have to upload at least two of the splash images (with 8-bit RGB splash images = 24 bits per pixel) within less than 1 or 2 seconds typically. Is this timing somehow realistic?
  • A third obvious approach is to use the 'external patterns' and to provide the (masked) patterns over the HDMI-interface. We will also consider this approach but the idea of transferring data over a HDMI cable is rather unattractive, due to the need for the additional HDMI cable


Is our understanding of the different alternatives correct? Or do you have further suggestions how we could meet this requirements. Any advice welcome!

 Best regards,

 Jean-Marc

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 20045 points

    Hello Jean-Mark,

    Thanks for your interest in DLP® technology and thanks for uploading images to clarify the question! I will have to get back to you on a few of your questions, in the meantime, here are my initial thoughts:

    • I believe your understanding of internal patter project is correct. You will not be able to add a "mask" to the top and bottom of the image (assuming you are using vertical patterns)
    • Splash patterns may work; however, I will have to check on speed limitations. Splash patterns are not nearly as fast as the internal pattern mode
    • External patterns would probably work for you. However, I see why you would like to explore the internal patterns first. 

    Thanks,

    Kyle

  • 0 in reply to Kyle Rakos
    TI__Mastermind 20045 points
    Hello Jean-Mark,

    Could you confirm what kind of speed requirements you need to hit and how many patterns you need to store? The splash patterns will actually store RGB565 images and therefore each splash pattern can only show 2 8-bit patterns before switching to the next splash screen. I do not think there is a set time to load the next splash screen as it depends upon its size and other factors.

    Thanks,
    Kyle
  • 0 in reply to Kyle Rakos
    TI__Mastermind 20045 points
    Hello Jean-Mark,

    I learned that the splash patterns will continually display one pattern until commanded to switch to the others. If you need further assistance please let me know.

    Thanks,
    Kyle
  • 0 in reply to Kyle Rakos
    Prodigy 40 points

    Hello Kyle,

    thanks your for your update. I think that the information that the splash patterns are stored as RGB565 is actually essential for our application. I had not noticed this up to now!


    Let me confirm what we need:

    • Regarding the patterns, our minimum requirement is to project 38 different 1-Bit patterns and synchronize the projection with a camera. An extended requirement is to project up to 73 different 1-bit patterns (also synchronized with a camera). If I understand well, the 4 RGB565-coded splash screens together provide (2 x 8) x 4 = 64 different 1-bit patterns, so it seems we can meet the minimum requirement but not the extended one.
    • Regarding the projection speed, I am quite confident, that we won't get into troubles. Our own tests with the on board splash screens show that we can project and acquire the 1-bit patterns within a few seconds.
    • I am much more worried by the upload time. My first test uploading four splash screens together with a firmware update took more than 9 minutes on DLP3010evm-lc! (The splash screens have the resolution of the DMD-array, i.e. 854x480 for the DLP2010evm-lc model and 1280x720 for the DLP3010evm-lc model.) This upload time is definitely a show-stopper... We wonder if an upload time of less than 2 (or 3) seconds is somehow feasible.
      I was unaware of the RGB565-coding and so I uploaded RGB888 patterns. Probably some time was lost by the conversion from RGB-888 to RGB-565. I will test very soon if we can save time here.
      Up to now I have only been using the simple (i.e. not the advanced) GUI. Obviously we cannot upload only the 4 splash patterns without uploading the firmware with the simple GUI. Is there any way to only upload the 4 splash screens without uploading the firmware?


    hank you for your help.



    Best regards,

    Jean-Marc

  • 0 in reply to user3708221
    TI__Mastermind 20045 points
    Hello Jean-Marc,

    I would like to clarify something about the 1D patterns. When using 1D patterns (internal pattern streaming mode) you do not actually make use of the splash screens. This is a separate mode. You can store up to 64 1-bit patterns. The GUI currently supports up to 4 separate splash images. The two modes do not use the same data.

    If you need to store multiple splash patterns (more than 4) this is something we could potentially explore. However, if you need faster patterns with more control you may want to look at streaming with an external input. This would also help solve your upload time concerns.

    Thanks,
    Kyle